3rd Infantry Division says it is on top of relief, search mission in Western Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): 3rd Infantry Division says it is on top of relief, search mission in Western Visayas

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division on Friday announced that it is on top of the ongoing relief and search mission in Western Visayas which was badly hit by supertyphoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

"We are on top of the situation and we would like to reassure the public that your Armed Forces is stepping up its efforts in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. We are in close coordination with the local government units, government agencies and non-governmental organizations in order to synchronize our plans and actions for the quick recovery of the region from the devastation of Typhoon 'Yolanda'," 3rd ID commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

He added that he is also continuously conferring with the 3rd Infantry Division staff on the dynamics of military response to the disaster.

Disaster Response Task that were deployed in the entire region even before "Yolanda" onslaught, are continuously engage in clearing of road access, delivery of relief items, and in providing the necessary security especially in the hinterland barangays which are heavily devastated by the super typhoon.

Baladad addded that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has stepped-up its joint HADR operations.

Transportation assets of the AFP such as helicopters, navy boats and military trucks are continuously rolling for the distribution of relief items from the DSWD, provincial government and non-governmental organizations.

Helicopters of the Philippine Air Force have an average of three to four sorties daily (with a total of more or less 10,000 packs of relief goods) and prioritize the hinterland and Island barangays in the region that were heavily devastated.

Navy boats and BFAR vessels also help in reaching the small Islands which are in great need of relief supplies.

In support to the ground mobility assets of the provinces, about 20 trucks of the 3rd Infantry Division also run day-in and day-out to deliver the relief goods (more or less 30, 000 packs of relief goods).

“The Armed Forces here in Western Visayas is doing everything in its capacity to deliver humanitarian assistance to our people. We appeal to all sectors of society to join us in our “Bayanihan” efforts to help our fellowmen here during these difficult times," Baladad said.

In the spirit of "Bayanihan", the AFP’s General Headquarters, the Northern Luzon Command, the Headquarters of the Philippine Army in Manila and other AFP units in Luzon, the 10th Infantry Division based in Davao, and other military units in Mindanao, are also extending humanitarian assistance to typhoon victims by collecting and packing relief items to be delivered here in Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, a C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force in Manila loaded with relief items for the victims and aviation gas for the helicopters arrived at Roxas City airport in Capiz Thursday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=587133